1917 - proof that being a POW is a physical thing. You can’t imprison the soul - expression always knows the way out. (From the note book of my grandfather with the art of his fellow captives) #wwii #history #art #pow #spirit #expression #military #1917 #urbanarcheology

A neat military memento: a calendar yearbook from the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier. Sort of a look back with pictures and cartoons and a log of this ship’s six month assignment in the Mediterranean from 1955. Found on the floor in the basement of a Monroe CT estate sale in an 18th century home. #military #militarycollectables #navy #1950s #usscoralsea #books #estatesale #connecticut #urbanarcheology

The kids won’t appreciate the fact that on Saturdays in the summers of the 1970s we didn’t have hot and cold running Internet. We had to take a bucket down the corner of the house, turn it over so we could reach the antenna and tune in “Hee Haw!” Sure it was fuzzy , but it was all the entertainment we had, and we loved it. It’s true, this plank - before moving on to a musical career -had its own dark past whacking ladies’ backsides- and though no harassment suits would ever be brought forward - we knew we were all guilty for laughing every time it happened. I saw this and resisted but relented by snapping a shot. Now to hear that we lost the other co-host of Hee Haw reveals a sad reminder that the past is really past. Rest In Peace Roy Clark - you were all we had and once upon a time that was enough. #royclark #1970s #heehaw #estatesale #urbanarcheology #countymusic #television

While in captivity my grandfather had the presence of mind to collect the names of his fellow captives. They obliged him by not only writing the name,rank and outfit but several also added how and where they were captured. #wwi #soldiersstories #veterans #prisoners #amazing #urbanarcheology

Sometimes there is gold in your own backyard. This is just a single page from a notebook my grandfather carried with him in his years of captivity during WWI. He not only had his fellow captors sign it - many added artwork - or should I say masterpieces. Have you seen my jaw? I dropped it while viewing these. Am I having my Kansas awakening? Have I been looking for OZ when it was at home all along.....No! What are you crazy? I’m going right back over the bad weather coming to find more history! Heck! I don’t look good in ruby slippers. #artwork #masterpice #prisonerart #wwi #notinkansasanymore #urbanarcheology #wow

I am proud to have relatives who has served in the military. My father was a WWII veteran and my grandfather served during WWI - he was a British subject and I am thrilled to be in possession of his journals. Every letter or pc (post card) was saved and copied into the journal. He was a foot soldier and an officer - he recounts the terrible scenes he witnessed while in the trenches. What is amazing is his capture and absolute civil treatment by the Germans. This is the page that describes that he has been captured...an honest historical treasure and soon to be a topic of my upcoming presentations. #wwi #history #veteransday #veterans #england #urbanarcheology

It has been said that “Strangers are people we haven’t met yet.” What about the strangers I’ll never get to know- like these nice folks? Some folks leave just enough behind that I feel like I do know them - and I need to introduce them around. The young girl on the left has story to tell - one in which she overcomes great loss to becoming a person who provides a great service. More of her story is coming soon. For now, enjoy this image of a winter visit to the boardwalk at Atlantic City maybe 1907. #foundphoto #atlanticcity #1900s #estatesale #urbanarcheology

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About Me

Aside from my career in community television, I am a self-proclaimed writer, cartoonist, and "urban archeologist." I love digging through the past - discovering the stories behind old paper, gadgets (new and old), and other oddities. I often post stories of items in the hopes that someone will help me learn more about them. Have you found something interesting in your (or someone's) attic, basement, or garage? Share it here. Guest authors are invited to submit stories of interesting "finds."